Dhaka: Shipping and Labour and Employment Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain has affirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to taking stringent legal measures against those responsible for the recent attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. “We’re committed to taking tougher legal action against those to be found involved in the attack of Prothom Alo and Daily Star offices,” he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Sakhawat Hossain made these remarks during a visit to the headquarters of the two prominent national newspapers in Dhaka. During his visit, he assessed the damage inflicted on the infrastructure and engaged in discussions with media personnel. Dr. Hossain stressed that while differing opinions are inherent to a democratic society, resorting to violence and attacks on media entities is entirely unacceptable.
He described the incident as deeply regrettable and reiterated that the government does not meddle with media operations. He underscored the government’s dedication to guaranteeing the full independence of the press. “The media is an important pillar of the state. Its role in nation-building is crucial, and the government and the media must work together,” Dr. Hossain remarked.
Dr. Hossain revealed that law enforcement agencies have already initiated the necessary actions to identify and prosecute the individuals responsible for the attacks. He acknowledged the courage and professionalism required to publish newspapers and expressed his confidence that the media will persist in upholding truth and serving the public interest. He also commended the resilience and commitment demonstrated by the staff and officials of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
He reflected on the 2024 Mass Uprising as a pivotal chapter in the nation’s political history and expressed solidarity with the affected journalists and staff. He assured them that the media would surmount this setback and that press freedom would be preserved.
During his visit, Dr. Sakhawat Hossain was accompanied by The Daily Star’s Consulting Editor Kamal Ahmed and Prothom Alo’s Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif, along with senior journalists and officials from both media organizations.